Lifting fixture for concrete structures

ABSTRACT

A lifting fixture for a concrete structure having reinforcing wires embedded therein and an outer surface with a recess. The lifting fixture generally comprises an anchor having a first end adapted to be operatively coupled to the lifting hardware of a hoist and a second end configured to be securely embedded within the concrete structure. At least one clip member is coupled to the second end of the anchor for securing the lifting fixture to the reinforcing wires and positioning the first end of the anchor within the recess during the formation of the concrete structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a lifting fixture forconcrete structures, and more particularly to an anchor secured toreinforcing wires embedded within a concrete structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Concrete structures are used extensively in the construction industry.For example, concrete pipes are commonly installed underground and usedto transport liquid and waste materials. Because of their durability andstrength, concrete pipes typically require minimal upkeep and retaintheir serviceability for many years. Such pipes are also very versatilein the sense that they can be easily and economically formed with thenecessary shape, size, and strength to suit a particular application.

Two of the most common processes for forming concrete pipes are drycasting and wet casting. Dry casting typically involves supplying a drycast concrete mix, or “no-slump” mix, to a mold having an annular cavitybetween an inner form and outer form. The mix is densely compactedwithin the mold using specialized consolidation techniques, such asspinning, vibration, packing and/or “slinging” the concrete mix into themold. After the pipe has been produced, the mold may be immediatelyremoved and used to create another structure. Wet casting typicallyinvolves supplying a relatively wet concrete mix to the annular cavityof a mold. The concrete mix is cured within the cavity before the moldis removed. In order to increase the strength of both wet-cast anddry-cast pipe, reinforcing wires or bars are typically placed in theannular cavity of the mold prior to supplying the concrete mix so thatthe wires ultimately become embedded within the final concretestructure.

Although these manufacturing processes produce long-lasting, serviceableconcrete pipes, one of the challenges associated with such pipes is theability to transport them between various locations at a particular jobsite. The pipes are typically too heavy to be lifted by hand and mustinstead be moved with the assistance of a hoisting device. To facilitatelifting with a hoisting device, a hole may be cast in the concrete forreceiving a conventional lifting hook. Alternatively, holes may beformed through the concrete after casting. While the holes mayfacilitate lifting, they must be patched once the pipes are installed inorder to meet hydrostatic testing requirements. If a hole is not patchedcorrectly, the patch may fail and may even fall out after the pipe hasbeen installed. This is particularly problematic for pipes installedunderground where soil and other materials may enter the pipe through afailed patch. This displacement of soil often creates a sinkhole at thegrade level, which can become especially undesirable if the pipe isinstalled beneath a roadway or the like.

For all these reasons, several attempts have been made to provideconcrete structures with a suitable anchor for engaging the lifting hookof a hoist device. More specifically, several attempts have been made toprovide recessed anchors in the outer surfaces of concrete pipes. Therecessed arrangement of the anchor eliminates the need for a subsequentcutting operation to remove any portion of the anchor that projectsbeyond the outer surface after installation. For example, U.S. Pat. No.6,082,700, issued to Lancelot, III et al., discloses a removableanchor-positioning insert, or “void,” for forming a recess in the outersurface of a concrete structure. The insert is bolted to the outer formof a mold and includes an anchor placement channel for receiving theapex of a U-shaped or V-shaped anchor. The anchor placement channel isshaped to cooperate with the anchor so as to prevent the anchor frommoving relative to the insert when concrete is supplied to the mold.Thus, after the concrete structure is formed, the mold and positioninginsert are separated from the concrete pipe to expose the recess withthe apex of the anchor positioned therein.

While bolting an anchor-positioning insert to the mold may suffice forsome operations, Applicant has found that occasionally during themolding process, the anchor is pulled out of the insert when a no-slumpconcrete mix is “slung” into the mold. Supplying heavier wet-castconcrete mix may also cause the anchor to shift relative to the insertduring molding. Thus, there is a need for a lifting fixture that doesnot require support from the mold during the formation of the concretestructure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lifting fixture for concrete structureshaving reinforcing wires embedded therein. The lifting fixture generallycomprises an anchor having a first end adapted to be operatively coupledto the lifting hardware of a hoist and a second end configured to besecurely embedded within the concrete structure. At least one clipmember is coupled to the anchor for securing the lifting fixture to thereinforcing wires. The clip member also positions the first end of theanchor relative to a recess to be formed in the outer surface of theconcrete structure, thereby providing easy access to the anchor.

The lifting fixture may further comprise a cover member, or “voidformer,” for forming the recess in the outer surface. The cover memberis adapted to cover at least a portion of the first end of the anchorwhen secured thereto, and may be removed from the first end after theconcrete structure has been formed. Removing the cover thus exposes therecess with the first end of the anchor positioned therein.

In one aspect of the invention, each clip member comprises a body, afirst clasp positioned on the body and sized to operatively engage afirst reinforcing wire, and a second clasp positioned on the body andsized to operatively engage a second reinforcing wire. The second claspis spaced apart from said first clap by a distance corresponding to thespacing of the reinforcing wires. Thus, the first and second claspssecure the anchor while the concrete structure is formed in a mold.Additional attachments to secure the anchor to the mold are notrequired, but may be provided if desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the general description of the invention given above, andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a concrete structure with an exemplarylifting fixture according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, showing the liftingfixture secured to the reinforcing wires embedded within the concretestructure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the lifting fixture shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded side elevation view showing the lifting fixture ofFIG. 2 and a removable cover according an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 4 showing the removablecover secured to a portion of the lifting fixture;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view showing the lifting fixture of FIG. 2and the lifting hardware of a hoist;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a lifting fixture according toa second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting the lifting fixture of FIG. 8secured to concrete reinforcing wires;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clip member of the lifting fixtureshown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lifting fixturein accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view, similar to FIG. 4, depicting thelifting fixture of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a lifting fixture 10 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention is shown embedded within a concretestructure 12 in the form of a pipe. The lifting fixture 10 is used tofacilitate lifting and transporting the concrete structure 12 betweenjob sites and other locations, as will be described in greater detailbelow. Although the concrete structure 12 is shown as a concrete pipe,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lifting fixture 10 maybe used to facilitate lifting concrete structures having other shapesand configurations. For example, the concrete structure 12 mayalternatively be a concrete slab, block, wall, or any other structurecommonly used in the construction industry.

The lifting fixture 10 is generally positioned in a recess 14 formed inan outer surface 16 of the concrete structure 12. More specifically, thelifting fixture 10 includes an anchor 20 having a first end 22 extendinginto the recess 14, and a second end 24 securely embedded within theconcrete structure 12. At least one clip member 30 is coupled to theanchor 20 to secure the lifting fixture 10 to reinforcing wires 32 thatare also embedded within the concrete structure 12, as best seen in FIG.2.

FIG. 3 illustrates the lifting fixture 10 and reinforcing wires 32 ofFIG. 2 in further detail. In the embodiment shown in the figures, theanchor 20 is formed from steel or iron and is bent to have an apex 40 atthe first end 22 and first and second legs 42, 44 extending downwardlyon opposing sides of the apex 40. Thus, the anchor 20 generally has aninverted V or U-shaped configuration. The first and second legs 42, 44terminate in respective flanges 46, 48 at the second end 24 for reasonsdiscussed more fully below.

In order to properly position the first end 22 of anchor 10 relative tothe recess 14 and outer surface 16 of the concrete structure 12, pairsof clip members 30 are secured to the anchor 20 at a desired locationalong the first and second legs 42, 44. Each clip member 30 generallycomprises a body 54, a first clasp 56 positioned on the body 54 andsized to operatively engage a first reinforcing wire 32 a, and a secondclasp 58 positioned on the body 54 and sized to operatively engage asecond reinforcing wire 32 b. The first and second clasps 56, 58 arespaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the spacingof the first and second reinforcing wires 32 a, 32 b. While a pair ofclip members is shown for securing anchor 20 to the reinforcing wires 32a, 32 b, it will be recognized that a single clip member, or more thantwo clip members may alternatively be used to secure an anchor to thereinforcing wires.

In the embodiment shown, each clip member 30 is constructed from a metalrod that has been bent into the appropriate shape to form the body 54,first clasp 56, and second clasp 58. In this embodiment, the body 54 maybe welded to the anchor 20 and the first and second clasps 56, 58resemble hooks that are configured to wrap around respective portions ofthe first and second reinforcing wires 32 a, 32 b. The second clasp 58includes a guide portion 60 that facilitates securely engaging thesecond clasp 58 to the second reinforcing wire 32 b by providing a smallamount of interference between the parts in an installed position. Inthe embodiment shown, guide portion 60 comprises a length of rod that isbent downwardly and outwardly relative to the body 54. Thus, the liftingfixture 10 may be secured to the reinforcing wires 32 by “hooking” thefirst clasp 56 onto the first reinforcing wire 32 a, and then applying asufficient force to overcome the interference of the guide portion 60and “snap-fit” the second clasp 58 onto the second reinforcing wire 32b.

The simple and economical configuration of the exemplary fixture 10makes it feasible to produce the lifting fixture 10 according to aconcrete manufacturer's specifications. For example, concrete pipes aretypically produced with a particular diameter and wall thickness. Theshape and size of the anchor 20 may generally be determined from thisinformation. The clip members 30, on the other hand, are designed withreference to the gage and spacing of the reinforcing wires 32, 32 a, 32b. Wire sizes in large concrete pipes typically vary from 10 gage (0.135inch diameter) to 2 gage (0.331 inch diameter), and spacing arrangementsbetween intersecting wires typically range from 2 inch ×2 inch to 3 inch×8 inch.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lifting fixture 10 may further include acover member or void former 70 adapted to be releasably secured to thefirst end 22 of the anchor 20. The cover member 70 generally has anouter surface 72 shaped to cooperate with the outer form of a mold (notshown) in which the concrete structure 12 is formed, and a bodystructure 74 adapted to cover at least a portion of the first end 22 ofanchor 20 when the cover 70 is secured thereto. The overall shape of thebody structure 74 generally corresponds to the shape of the recess 14 tobe formed in the concrete structure 12. Thus, if a semi-spherical recessis desired, the body structure 74 is provided with a semi-sphericalshape, etc. Although the body structure 74 may be formed from anymaterial having the desired geometry, the cover member 70 is preferablya unitary component molded from an elastomeric material.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cover member 70 generally has adome-shaped configuration. A slot 80 extends down the center of the domesuch that the cover member 70 is divided into first and second halves82, 84. Each half includes a groove 86 facing the slot 80, and eachgroove 86 is shaped to receive the first end 22 of the anchor 20. Thus,in order to secure the cover member 70 to the anchor 20, the first andsecond halves 82, 84 may be pulled apart from each other to open theslot 80. Once cover member 70 is placed on the anchor 20 with the firstend 22 received in the grooves 86, the first and second halves 82, 84may be moved back towards each other to close the slot 80.

A method of forming the concrete structure 12 will now be described. Theconcrete structure 12 is formed in a mold, which is not shown in thefigures for the sake of clarity. As discussed in the background section,the mold for a concrete pipe typically includes an inner form and outerform. After positioning the reinforcing wires 32 in the mold, betweenthe inner and outer forms, one or more anchors 20 may be secured to thereinforcing wires 32, 32 a, 32 b using the clip members 30. Theremovable cover 70 is then positioned over the first end 22 of theanchor 20 in the manner described above, with the outer surface 72 ofthe cover member 70 generally bearing against the outer form of themold. Alternatively, cover member 70 may be secured to the first end 22of anchor 20 and the anchor secured to the reinforcing wires 32, 32 a,32 b prior to positioning the wires in the mold.

Once the lifting fixture 10 is appropriately secured and positionedwithin the mold, concrete may be supplied to the mold to form theconcrete structure 12. Even if a no-slump concrete mix is slung into themold in a dry-cast operation, or even if a heavier concrete mix issupplied to the mold for the purposes of a wet-cast operation, thesecure attachment between the clip members 30 and the reinforcing wires32 helps ensure that the anchor 20 remains in the desired position.Thus, the lifting fixture 10 may be advantageously used for bothwet-cast and dry-cast operations.

Concrete mix is added until it fills the mold and surrounds any portionof the lifting fixture 10 that is not covered by the cover member 70. Asshown in FIG. 5, the second end 24 of the anchor 20 and the first andsecond clasps 56, 58 of the clip members 30 become embedded in theconcrete structure 12 along with the reinforcing wires 32. When thecasting operating is complete, the formed concrete structure 12 isseparated from the mold and the cover member 70 is removed from theanchor 20.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the removal of the cover member 70 exposesthe recess 14. The first end 22 of the anchor 20 extends into the recess14 and is adapted to be operatively coupled to the lifting hardware of ahoist. For example, the recess 14 may provide sufficient space for alifting hook 90 to engage the apex 40 of the anchor 20 between the firstand second legs 42, 44. Although the first end 22 of the anchor 20 isshown has having an arch-shaped configuration within the recess 14,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the anchor 20 may be anyother shape designed to couple to lifting hardware. For example, thefirst end 22 of the anchor 20 may alternatively be in the form of aneyebolt designed to engage the hook 90, or an anchor bolt designed toengage a clamp or retainer.

Thus, whenever the concrete structure 12 needs to be transported betweenvarious locations, installed at a job site, or otherwise moved, the hook90 may be used to engage the first end 22 of the anchor 20 and apply asufficient force to lift the concrete structure 12. The rigidity andstrength of the concrete ensures that the second end 24 of the anchor 20remains embedded therein so that the concrete structure 12 moves withthe anchor 20. Additionally, the first and second flanges 46, 48 furtherextend within the concrete structure 12 to provide additional resistanceto the lifting force and thus assist retaining the second end 24 withinthe concrete structure 12.

As a result of such an arrangement, the first end 22 of the anchor 20must have sufficient strength to support the weight of the concretestructure 1 2. In other words, the first end 22 must not break orsubstantially deform when the lifting force is applied thereto. In oneembodiment, the anchor is formed from low carbon steel.

After the concrete structure 12 has been moved to its intended location,the hook 90 may simply be disengaged from the first end 22. There is noneed to complete a subsequent patching operation because the recess 14does not extend through the concrete structure 12. If desired, however,mortar may be packed into the recess 14 to provide a clean appearanceand give the pipe a uniform thickness.

FIGS. 8-10 depict another exemplary lifting fixture 110 in accordancewith the invention. Like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, the liftingfixture 110 generally comprises an anchor 120 and at least one clipmember 130 coupled to the anchor 120 for securing the lifting fixture110 to reinforcing wires 132, 132 a, 132 b. The anchor 120 hassubstantially the same shape and configuration as the anchor 20 with theexception that the ends 124 of its legs 142, 144 include Hex-shapedheads. The foregoing description of anchor 20 is applicable to anchor120.

The clip members 130, on the other hand, differ in several respects fromthe clip members 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the clip members130 are formed from stamped metal. Each clip member 130 still comprisesa body 154, a first clasp 156 adapted to operatively engage a firstreinforcing wire 132 a, and a second clasp 158 adapted to operativelyengage a second reinforcing wire 132 b. However, instead of resemblinghooks that are designed for a particular spacing of the reinforcingwires, the first and second clasps 156, 158 comprise elongated slotsdefined by opposing, spaced surfaces and are adapted to accommodate awide variety of reinforcing wire spacing arrangements. For example, thesecond clasp 158 includes a first portion 162 angled downwardly from thebody 154 and a second portion 164 that is spaced apart from the body154. When securing the clip member 130, the second reinforcing wire 132b may be securely received anywhere between the body 154 and the firstor second portions 162, 164.

The clip members 130 are also adapted to accommodate a wide variety ofwire sizes. More specifically, the first clasp 156 includes threadedaperture 166 adapted to receive a fastener 168, such as a screw or bolt.When the first reinforcing wire 132 a is received in the first clasp156, the fastener 168 is tightened to secure the reinforcing wire 132 awithin the clasp 156. Thus, even if a reinforcing wire is too small tofrictionally engage the first clasp 156, the wire may be secured thereinby the fastener 168.

Instead of being welded to the anchor 120, the clip members 130 areremovably and adjustably secured thereto. To this end, each clip member130 further includes a receiving member 174 positioned on the body 154and adapted to receive a portion of the anchor 120. Like the first clasp156, the receiving member 174 resembles a slot defined by opposing,spaced surfaces and includes a threaded aperture 176 for receiving afastener 178. Thus, when a first leg 142 or second leg 144 of the anchor120 is received in the slot, the fastener 178 may be tightened to securethe clip member 130 to the anchor 120.

The ability to adjust the position of each clip member 130 beforetightening the fastener 178 enables the lifting fixture 110 to be usedfor many different sizes of concrete structures. More specifically, theposition of each clip member 130 may be adjusted for different wallthicknesses of the concrete structure to ensure that the first end 122of the anchor 120 is positioned at a desired location within the recessto be formed in the outer surface of the concrete structure. Forrelatively thick concrete structures, the receiving member 174 of eachclip member 130 may further include an offset portion 184 (FIG. 10) toincrease the overall length of the lifting fixture 110.

In the various embodiments described above, the anchors and clip membershave been shown in configurations wherein the legs 42, 44, 142, 144 ofthe anchors 20, 120 extend generally through a plane that includes thereinforcing wires 32, 32 a, 32 b. Such configurations are typical whenthe reinforcing wires 32, 32 a 32 b are substantially centered withinthe thickness of the concrete section 12. In some applications, however,the reinforcement wires 32, 32 a, 32 b may be arranged so that they lierelatively deep within the thickness of the concrete section 12, suchthat the reinforcement wires 32, 32 a, 32 b are closer to an innersurface of the concrete structure 12 compared to the distance of thewires 32, 32 a, 32 b from a surface where the anchor will be positioned.FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a lifting fixture200 wherein first and second clip members 202 are configured to supportan anchor 110 such that the anchor 110 is spaced sufficiently above thereinforcing wires 32, 32 a, 32 b and are suitable for configurationswhere the reinforcing wires 32, 32 a, 32 b are deeply embedded withinthe concrete section 12. In the embodiment shown, the first and secondclip members 202 are mirror images of one another. While two clipmembers 202 are depicted supporting anchor member 120, it will berecognized that only one clip member 202 may be needed in someapplications. In this embodiment, each of the first and second clipmembers 202 is constructed from a metal rod that has been bent to form agenerally U-shaped body portion 204. The body portion comprises agenerally closed end 206 and first and second legs 208, 210 extendingfrom the closed end 206. First and second clasps 212, 214 are formed onthe first leg 208 by bending the rod material. The first clasp 212comprises a first bend radius 216 sized to correspond to the generalsize of the reinforcing wire 32 a, whereby the reinforcing wire 32 a maybe received within the first bend radius 216. A third leg 218 of theclip 202 extends in a direction back toward the closed end 206 of thebody 204. To help retain the reinforcing wire 32 a within the firstclasp 212, a portion of the rod material at the first clasp 212 may beoffset, such as by a second bend radius 220, such that the reinforcingwire 32 a must be snapped into place through the offset portion. Thesecond clasp 214 of the clip member 202 is defined by the first andthird legs 208, 218 of the body portion 204. The first and third legs208, 218 are generally parallel and are spaced from one another adistance such that a reinforcing wire 32 b will be clamped therebetween.To facilitate insertion of the reinforcing wires 32 a, 32 b between thefirst and third legs 208, 218 and into the first and second clasps 212,214, the distal end 222 of the third leg 218 is angled in a directiongenerally upwardly and outwardly relative to the body portion 204, andalso in a direction toward the first clasp 212. This angled arrangementhelps to facilitate separation of the first and third legs 208, 218 whenthe clip member is forced into engagement with reinforcing wires 32 a,32 b such that the reinforcing wires 32 a, 32 b may be admitted betweenthe first and third legs 208, 218, whereafter the angled end 222inhibits subsequent removal of the clip member 202 from the reinforcingwire 32 a, 32 b.

A fourth leg 230 of the clip member 202 is spaced from the closed end206 of the body 204 and extends upwardly from the second leg 210. An arm232 extends from the fourth leg 230 in a direction substantiallyparallel to the second leg 210 and has a bent distal end 234 with a bendradius sized to receive one of the legs of the anchor member 120. Whentwo such clip members 202 are secured to the reinforcing wires 32 a, 32b and an anchor member 120 is secured within the bent distal ends 234 ofthe arms 232, the first and second clip members 202 are able to supportthe anchor member 120 such that it is spaced from the plane of thereinforcing wires 32, 32 a, 32 b, as best depicted in FIG. 12. A covermember 70 may be secured to the apex of the anchor member 120, in amanner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5.

While the invention has been illustrated by the description of one ormore embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been describedin considerable detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any waylimit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additionaladvantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in theart. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited tothe specific details, representative apparatus and methods andillustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures maybe made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit ofApplicant's general inventive concept.

1. A lifting fixture for a concrete structure having reinforcing wiresembedded therein and an outer surface with a recess, the lifting fixturecomprising: an anchor having a first end adapted to be operativelycoupled to lifting hardware of a hoist and a second end configured to besecurely embedded within the concrete structure, the first end having astrength sufficient to support the weight of the concrete structure; andat least one clip member coupled to the anchor for securing the liftingfixture to a reinforcing wire and positioning said first end within therecess in the outer surface, said clip member including a first portioncoupled to said anchor and a second portion adapted to be coupled to thereinforcing wire.
 2. The lifting fixture of claim 1, further comprisinga cover member releasably secured to said first end and covering atleast a portion of said first end when secured thereto.
 3. The liftingfixture of claim 1, wherein each clip member comprises: a body; a firstclasp positioned on said body and sized to operatively engage a firstone of the reinforcing wires; and a second clasp positioned on said bodyand sized to operatively engage a second one of the reinforcing wires,said second clasp spaced from said first clap a distance correspondingto a spacing of the reinforcing wires.
 4. The lifting fixture of claim3, wherein said clip member is formed from a metal rod, said metal rodincluding bends defining said first and second clasps.
 5. The liftingfixture of claim 1, wherein said clip member is removably secured tosaid anchor.
 6. The lifting fixture of claim 1, wherein said clip memberis welded to said anchor.
 7. The lifting fixture of claim 1, whereinsaid clip member further comprises a receiving member positioned on saidbody and includes opposing surfaces adapted to receive a portion of saidanchor.
 8. The lifting fixture of claim 1, wherein said clip member isadjustably coupled to said anchor for selective positioning of said clipmember relative to said first end of said anchor.
 9. The lifting fixtureof claim 1, wherein said anchor has an apex at said first end and firstand second legs extending downwardly on opposing sides of said apex tosaid second end.
 10. The lifting fixture of claim 9, wherein said clipmember is configured to support said anchor such that said first andsecond legs intersect a plane containing at least some of thereinforcing wires.
 11. The lifting fixture if claim 9, wherein said clipmember is configured to support said anchor such that said first andsecond legs are spaced a distance from the reinforcing wires.
 12. Aconcrete structure, comprising: a concrete body having an outer surfacewith a recess formed therein; a plurality of spaced apart reinforcingwires embedded within said concrete body; and a lifting fixture forlifting the concrete structure, said lifting fixture comprising: ananchor having a first end adapted to be operatively coupled to liftinghardware of a hoist and a second end securely embedded within saidconcrete body, and at least one clip member positioning said first endof said anchor within said recess, said clip member including a firstportion operatively coupled to said anchor and a second portionoperatively coupled to said reinforcing wire.
 13. The concrete structureof claim 12, further comprising a cover member releasably secured tosaid first end of said anchor and covering at least a portion of saidfirst end when secured thereto.
 14. The concrete structure of claim 12,wherein each said clip member comprises: a body; a first clasppositioned on said body and sized to operatively engage a first one ofsaid reinforcing wires; and a second clasp positioned on said body andsized to operatively engage a second one of said reinforcing wires, saidsecond clasp spaced from said first clap a distance corresponding to thespacing of said reinforcing wires.
 15. The concrete structure of claim14, wherein said clip member is formed from a metal rod bent into theappropriate shape.
 16. The concrete structure of claim 12, wherein saidclip member is removably secured to said anchor.
 17. The concretestructure of claim 12, wherein said clip member is welded to saidanchor.
 18. The concrete structure of claim 12, wherein said clip memberfurther comprises a receiving member positioned on said body andincludes opposing surfaces adapted to receive a portion of said anchor.19. The concrete structure of claim 18, wherein said receiving member isadjustably coupled to said anchor for selective positioning of said clipmember relative to said first end of said anchor.
 20. The concretestructure of claim 12, wherein said anchor has an apex at said first endand first and second legs extending downwardly on opposing sides of saidapex to said second end.
 21. A method of forming a concrete structure ina mold, comprising: securing at least one anchor to at least onereinforcing wire with at least one clip member; positioning a removablecover over a first end of the anchor, the removable cover defining arecess to be formed in an outer surface of the formed concretestructure; positioning the reinforcing wire in the mold; and supplyingconcrete to the mold to form the concrete structure.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising: separating the formed concrete structurefrom the mold; and removing the removable cover to expose the recess inthe outer surface of the formed concrete structure, the recess havingthe first end of the anchor positioned therein to facilitate lifting theconcrete structure.